Career Discussion

Like the College Discussion thread and the Relationship Advice thread, this thread is for those who need advice from those currently pursuing or actually holding a certain career. That being said, I'll start things off.

On the off-chance that there are any public relations specialists/managers, copywriters, or anybody trying to get into advertising or public relations on this forum; what would be the best approach to build my resume and be a step of everyone else trying to get into those fields? I've been hired as a copy writer for the company of one of my acquaintances (although, I haven't officially gotten the job yet), and I'm looking at possible internships for this summer/spring. What else could I do to better my chances once I actually complete my undergrad education? Organizations? Grad school? Besides that, any other advice for someone trying to enter the world of PR and advertising? And just in case any of you were wondering, I'm currently a freshman going for a degree in Journalism (with an emphasis in Public Relations). Any help would be appreciated!

Like the College Discussion thread and the Relationship Advice thread, this thread is for those who need advice from those currently pursuing or actually holding a certain career. That being said, I'll start things off.

On the off-chance that there are any public relations specialists/managers, copywriters, or anybody trying to get into advertising or public relations on this forum; what would be the best approach to build my resume and be a step of everyone else trying to get into those fields? I've been hired as a copy writer for the company of one of my acquaintances (although, I haven't officially gotten the job yet), and I'm looking at possible internships for this summer/spring. What else could I do to better my chances once I actually complete my undergrad education? Organizations? Grad school? Besides that, any other advice for someone trying to enter the world of PR and advertising? And just in case any of you were wondering, I'm currently a freshman going for a degree in Journalism (with an emphasis in Public Relations). Any help would be appreciated!

the best way to build your resume is free labor. you gotta get up on that internship/volunteer game. sometimes organizations can offer jobs if you performed well enough. network with your professors, they usually know whats up and will throw you in the right direction on job/internship openings.

as for gradschool, whats the reason for it? you trying to become a professor? look at the careers within that advanced degree, and honestly see if the payscale is worth it.

Also - OP, are you a hot chick? Otherwise, your chances for PR are next to zero.

I never understood Advertising/Marketing either. It seems like a really ambiguous field; the hype on it has really come from Mad Men, according to what I hear among Marketing majors (who are usually unemployed after graduating).

Also - OP, are you a hot chick? Otherwise, your chances for PR are next to zero.

I never understood Advertising/Marketing either. It seems like a really ambiguous field; the hype on it has really come from Mad Men, according to what I hear among Marketing majors (who are usually unemployed after graduating).

Like the College Discussion thread and the Relationship Advice thread, this thread is for those who need advice from those currently pursuing or actually holding a certain career. That being said, I'll start things off.

On the off-chance that there are any public relations specialists/managers, copywriters, or anybody trying to get into advertising or public relations on this forum; what would be the best approach to build my resume and be a step of everyone else trying to get into those fields? I've been hired as a copy writer for the company of one of my acquaintances (although, I haven't officially gotten the job yet), and I'm looking at possible internships for this summer/spring. What else could I do to better my chances once I actually complete my undergrad education? Organizations? Grad school? Besides that, any other advice for someone trying to enter the world of PR and advertising? And just in case any of you were wondering, I'm currently a freshman going for a degree in Journalism (with an emphasis in Public Relations). Any help would be appreciated!

I'm doing the exact same thing you're doing as my second major. I'd advise you to join the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America). It'll look good on resumes in the future and offer you tons of resources as you get further along. Plus, they have student membership pricing. Definitely get an internship, paid or unpaid. Experience is the most important thing you can have at the end of the day. Attend career fairs and your school and get your name out there. Save EVERY piece of writing you have that would look good in a portfolio. I'm not talking about essay, but when you start writing copy, save those. Of course, take the related courses and consider taking a few business courses just so you can get the basic. Remember your job in PR is to maintain good standing for your company with the public, so knowing a few things on the business end will make you look attractive to potential employers. Grab yourself an AP Style Guide and get to know how to write in the PR/Advertising/Journalism world.

Also - OP, are you a hot chick? Otherwise, your chances for PR are next to zero.

I never understood Advertising/Marketing either. It seems like a really ambiguous field; the hype on it has really come from Mad Men, according to what I hear among Marketing majors (who are usually unemployed after graduating).

Lmao the hype came from mad men? Fam that was a dumb ass statement

You're telling me it didn't, at the very least, attract us younger folks?

I'm going to try to keep this as brief as possible. I recently graduated from a state university and have about three years experience working as a marketing / p.r. coordinator in the action sports apparel industry.

As someone else mentioned the best way to get into the field is via internships. Don't expect to get paid, especially in streetwear. However, college credit should be offered if you take a corresponding course at your university. Also, P.R. is disportionately female dominated, which sometimes feels a bit awkward (being a male) when your main task in apparel is to build relationships and communicate with editors and press whom, in streetwear at lease, are almost always male.

Lastly, employment after graduation is pretty meek at the moment. Seems like there's a lot of talent in the market and not enough openings. To be fair the job does have its perks (product and social) depending on your industry and your company's position in it.

Like the College Discussion thread and the Relationship Advice thread, this thread is for those who need advice from those currently pursuing or actually holding a certain career. That being said, I'll start things off.

On the off-chance that there are any public relations specialists/managers, copywriters, or anybody trying to get into advertising or public relations on this forum; what would be the best approach to build my resume and be a step of everyone else trying to get into those fields? I've been hired as a copy writer for the company of one of my acquaintances (although, I haven't officially gotten the job yet), and I'm looking at possible internships for this summer/spring. What else could I do to better my chances once I actually complete my undergrad education? Organizations? Grad school? Besides that, any other advice for someone trying to enter the world of PR and advertising? And just in case any of you were wondering, I'm currently a freshman going for a degree in Journalism (with an emphasis in Public Relations). Any help would be appreciated!

I'm doing the exact same thing you're doing as my second major. I'd advise you to join the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America). It'll look good on resumes in the future and offer you tons of resources as you get further along. Plus, they have student membership pricing. Definitely get an internship, paid or unpaid. Experience is the most important thing you can have at the end of the day. Attend career fairs and your school and get your name out there. Save EVERY piece of writing you have that would look good in a portfolio. I'm not talking about essay, but when you start writing copy, save those. Of course, take the related courses and consider taking a few business courses just so you can get the basic. Remember your job in PR is to maintain good standing for your company with the public, so knowing a few things on the business end will make you look attractive to potential employers. Grab yourself an AP Style Guide and get to know how to write in the PR/Advertising/Journalism world.

If you got anymore questions, PM me.

Thanks a lot for the help, fam. We have both a PRSSA at my univ and a PRSA in my county. Which one would be more attractive to employers?

Like the College Discussion thread and the Relationship Advice thread, this thread is for those who need advice from those currently pursuing or actually holding a certain career. That being said, I'll start things off.

On the off-chance that there are any public relations specialists/managers, copywriters, or anybody trying to get into advertising or public relations on this forum; what would be the best approach to build my resume and be a step of everyone else trying to get into those fields? I've been hired as a copy writer for the company of one of my acquaintances (although, I haven't officially gotten the job yet), and I'm looking at possible internships for this summer/spring. What else could I do to better my chances once I actually complete my undergrad education? Organizations? Grad school? Besides that, any other advice for someone trying to enter the world of PR and advertising? And just in case any of you were wondering, I'm currently a freshman going for a degree in Journalism (with an emphasis in Public Relations). Any help would be appreciated!

I'm doing the exact same thing you're doing as my second major. I'd advise you to join the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America). It'll look good on resumes in the future and offer you tons of resources as you get further along. Plus, they have student membership pricing. Definitely get an internship, paid or unpaid. Experience is the most important thing you can have at the end of the day. Attend career fairs and your school and get your name out there. Save EVERY piece of writing you have that would look good in a portfolio. I'm not talking about essay, but when you start writing copy, save those. Of course, take the related courses and consider taking a few business courses just so you can get the basic. Remember your job in PR is to maintain good standing for your company with the public, so knowing a few things on the business end will make you look attractive to potential employers. Grab yourself an AP Style Guide and get to know how to write in the PR/Advertising/Journalism world.

If you got anymore questions, PM me.

you nailed it. I'm a senior year advertising student and I couldn't give you better information than this

Like the College Discussion thread and the Relationship Advice thread, this thread is for those who need advice from those currently pursuing or actually holding a certain career. That being said, I'll start things off.

On the off-chance that there are any public relations specialists/managers, copywriters, or anybody trying to get into advertising or public relations on this forum; what would be the best approach to build my resume and be a step of everyone else trying to get into those fields? I've been hired as a copy writer for the company of one of my acquaintances (although, I haven't officially gotten the job yet), and I'm looking at possible internships for this summer/spring. What else could I do to better my chances once I actually complete my undergrad education? Organizations? Grad school? Besides that, any other advice for someone trying to enter the world of PR and advertising? And just in case any of you were wondering, I'm currently a freshman going for a degree in Journalism (with an emphasis in Public Relations). Any help would be appreciated!

I'm doing the exact same thing you're doing as my second major. I'd advise you to join the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America). It'll look good on resumes in the future and offer you tons of resources as you get further along. Plus, they have student membership pricing. Definitely get an internship, paid or unpaid. Experience is the most important thing you can have at the end of the day. Attend career fairs and your school and get your name out there. Save EVERY piece of writing you have that would look good in a portfolio. I'm not talking about essay, but when you start writing copy, save those. Of course, take the related courses and consider taking a few business courses just so you can get the basic. Remember your job in PR is to maintain good standing for your company with the public, so knowing a few things on the business end will make you look attractive to potential employers. Grab yourself an AP Style Guide and get to know how to write in the PR/Advertising/Journalism world.

If you got anymore questions, PM me.

Thanks a lot for the help, fam. We have both a PRSSA at my univ and a PRSA in my county. Which one would be more attractive to employers?

If you can afford it, join both. If not, start with your school then get involved with the larger one as you become an upperclassman.

Like the College Discussion thread and the Relationship Advice thread, this thread is for those who need advice from those currently pursuing or actually holding a certain career. That being said, I'll start things off.

On the off-chance that there are any public relations specialists/managers, copywriters, or anybody trying to get into advertising or public relations on this forum; what would be the best approach to build my resume and be a step of everyone else trying to get into those fields? I've been hired as a copy writer for the company of one of my acquaintances (although, I haven't officially gotten the job yet), and I'm looking at possible internships for this summer/spring. What else could I do to better my chances once I actually complete my undergrad education? Organizations? Grad school? Besides that, any other advice for someone trying to enter the world of PR and advertising? And just in case any of you were wondering, I'm currently a freshman going for a degree in Journalism (with an emphasis in Public Relations). Any help would be appreciated!

I'm doing the exact same thing you're doing as my second major. I'd advise you to join the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America). It'll look good on resumes in the future and offer you tons of resources as you get further along. Plus, they have student membership pricing. Definitely get an internship, paid or unpaid. Experience is the most important thing you can have at the end of the day. Attend career fairs and your school and get your name out there. Save EVERY piece of writing you have that would look good in a portfolio. I'm not talking about essay, but when you start writing copy, save those. Of course, take the related courses and consider taking a few business courses just so you can get the basic. Remember your job in PR is to maintain good standing for your company with the public, so knowing a few things on the business end will make you look attractive to potential employers. Grab yourself an AP Style Guide and get to know how to write in the PR/Advertising/Journalism world.

If you got anymore questions, PM me.

Thanks a lot for the help, fam. We have both a PRSSA at my univ and a PRSA in my county. Which one would be more attractive to employers?

If you can afford it, join both. If not, start with your school then get involved with the larger one as you become an upperclassman.

Word, I'll do just that. Thanks again. Supposedly, around 3/4 of those in PR have their master's, so I was thinking I should go the same route. Yea or nay? Any other advice from anyone on what I should do?

I'm nearing the end of college and wondering what the fuck to do. Marketing major living on long island. Moving too brooklyn next year, already have a job driving a dump truck for 12 an hour plus tips at pick up locations. I need to do some internships but its tricky, its hard to give up a lot of time you need to spend earning $$$$ on an internship, even if its part time, during a semester if you have a job its pretty much impossible unless you sell drugs or are rich. Any advice on how somebody can keep a steady income and do an internship? How you can best get an internship? what to look for?

I feel like you gotta look at internships before jobs these days, or you'll be behind. My girlfriend been done mad internships is over qualified as fuck for everything graduated a good school with a high GPA and shes been struggling to get employed in NYC since November, shit seems damn near impossible to get anything poppin off that could allow you too support yourself. Unfortunately I don't think there will be many people on HB who made it far enough to give some good advice...

Like the College Discussion thread and the Relationship Advice thread, this thread is for those who need advice from those currently pursuing or actually holding a certain career. That being said, I'll start things off.

On the off-chance that there are any public relations specialists/managers, copywriters, or anybody trying to get into advertising or public relations on this forum; what would be the best approach to build my resume and be a step of everyone else trying to get into those fields? I've been hired as a copy writer for the company of one of my acquaintances (although, I haven't officially gotten the job yet), and I'm looking at possible internships for this summer/spring. What else could I do to better my chances once I actually complete my undergrad education? Organizations? Grad school? Besides that, any other advice for someone trying to enter the world of PR and advertising? And just in case any of you were wondering, I'm currently a freshman going for a degree in Journalism (with an emphasis in Public Relations). Any help would be appreciated!

I'm doing the exact same thing you're doing as my second major. I'd advise you to join the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America). It'll look good on resumes in the future and offer you tons of resources as you get further along. Plus, they have student membership pricing. Definitely get an internship, paid or unpaid. Experience is the most important thing you can have at the end of the day. Attend career fairs and your school and get your name out there. Save EVERY piece of writing you have that would look good in a portfolio. I'm not talking about essay, but when you start writing copy, save those. Of course, take the related courses and consider taking a few business courses just so you can get the basic. Remember your job in PR is to maintain good standing for your company with the public, so knowing a few things on the business end will make you look attractive to potential employers. Grab yourself an AP Style Guide and get to know how to write in the PR/Advertising/Journalism world.

If you got anymore questions, PM me.

Thanks a lot for the help, fam. We have both a PRSSA at my univ and a PRSA in my county. Which one would be more attractive to employers?

If you can afford it, join both. If not, start with your school then get involved with the larger one as you become an upperclassman.

Word, I'll do just that. Thanks again. Supposedly, around 3/4 of those in PR have their master's, so I was thinking I should go the same route. Yea or nay? Any other advice from anyone on what I should do?

After you get your undergrad degree, see if you can get a job within 6-8 months. If not, go ahead and head to grad school.

Yeah, internships are definitely necessary before you find a job, it shows you're serious about what you're trying to do, give you more experience in that sort of field (even if they just have you be their bitch for the summer/time you're interning), and they look really good on a resume as opposed to working as a delivery boy or some shit. Reason your girl is having trouble getting employed is because it's NYC to be honest, jobs really aren't easy to come by out there, especially not with a degree in marketing (I'm assuming that's what her degree is. If you want a job there you gotta get lucky and have really a solid resume.

Internships and steady income are a bitch to do at the same time, just because both are so time consuming. Should have got them going summer going into your junior year to be honest, if not sooner. Just gotta apply for a shit ton of them and pray they like your GPA/school/whatever so you can get it. My girl is going to school with overloaded schedule, interning/subbing at a school, and working 2 jobs, so it's totally possible, but you really don't see much free time when you do all that at once.

Yeah, internships are definitely necessary before you find a job, it shows you're serious about what you're trying to do, give you more experience in that sort of field (even if they just have you be their bitch for the summer/time you're interning), and they look really good on a resume as opposed to working as a delivery boy or some shit. Reason your girl is having trouble getting employed is because it's NYC to be honest, jobs really aren't easy to come by out there, especially not with a degree in marketing (I'm assuming that's what her degree is. If you want a job there you gotta get lucky and have really a solid resume.

Internships and steady income are a bitch to do at the same time, just because both are so time consuming. Should have got them going summer going into your junior year to be honest, if not sooner. Just gotta apply for a shit ton of them and pray they like your GPA/school/whatever so you can get it. My girl is going to school with overloaded schedule, interning/subbing at a school, and working 2 jobs, so it's totally possible, but you really don't see much free time when you do all that at once.

I appreciate the reply. Shes not marketing shes trying to do non-profits... unfortunately we can't have our cake and eat it too. Figured I need to start making good use of my schools career center after spring break.

On that note, anyone have any advice and where it is best to be looking for jobs right now, particularly in marketing, geographically speaking, within America?

I'm going to try to keep this as brief as possible. I recently graduated from a state university and have about three years experience working as a marketing / p.r. coordinator in the action sports apparel industry.

As someone else mentioned the best way to get into the field is via internships. Don't expect to get paid, especially in streetwear. However, college credit should be offered if you take a corresponding course at your university. Also, P.R. is disportionately female dominated, which sometimes feels a bit awkward (being a male) when your main task in apparel is to build relationships and communicate with editors and press whom, in streetwear at lease, are almost always male.

Lastly, employment after graduation is pretty meek at the moment. Seems like there's a lot of talent in the market and not enough openings. To be fair the job does have its perks (product and social) depending on your industry and your company's position in it.

So youre saying employment after graduation is pretty meek and thus it is best to do internships and ideally get to one that will lead too a job? Also, does it look weak if you do internships after you graduate? lol I feel green as a mother fucker.

Edit: @ gilly,

I go to Hofstra University on Long Island right now, but I grew up in the bean.

Edits work weird now. When you edit everyone else sees it you don't for like 4 hrs.

It's probably better to do during college as most want you to receive college credit for doing it since they don't pay you. But you NEED experience, I have like five or six friends with no jobs right now because they have degrees with no experience and people don't want to spend more money on training them though they are smart kids. I am trying to do a few right now. I can send you some internships I'm looking at right now you might find some you can do.